President James Response to Mayor's Recent Editorial

David,

Thanks for expressing our feeling on this issue. I have listened while the Mayor has stated that he does not see why the Police should get a better benifit than the rest of the metro goverment employees. I would like to ask him and all the rest of the employees what did they do today, Thanksgiving? Were they with their family spending time with them or were they patrolling our streets to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves safely. Where will they be on Chrismas Eve, Christmas day, New Years Eve and Day? Will they be out spending time with the family or enjoying a celebration that the goverment will present? Or will they be driving, walking or posted somewhere so everyone can enjoy themselves without fear?

We might have certain benifits that look better than what is offered to other employees. BUT we also make sacrafices that no one else makes by putting our lives on the line to make Lousville a place where you can raise a family, enjoy your holidays and attened special events knowing the Police will be there to protect and do their duty.

How Can You Misinterpret This?

Current Police Contract

ARTICLE 38 - Section 3

"No employees salary or fringe benefits shall be reduced, impaired or modified if the Department is merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with any other law enforcement agency."

This statement on the front page says it all. How in the world can it be any plainer? Does taking away the 2 best insurance plans not reduce, impair and modify the current contract?

As a citizen I have always admired Mayor Abramson as a community leader and agree with the majority of the decisions he has made to better our community, however I am dissapointed by his decision here to violate the police department's contract in this manner. I hope he will reconsider his decision in this matter.

R. Rupley

Louisville, KY 40299